In a major boost to empower fish farmers, the Kerala University of Fisheries and Ocean Studies (Kufos) has started the second phase of its Samagra Matsyagramam project at Puthanvelikkara panchayat. As part of this, seeds of fish species like katla, rohu, cyprinus, shrimp, and seabass are stocked in reservoirs, lakes and ponds of the panchayat. Cage culture had been a huge success in the first phase of the project.

As many as 8,550 seeds of seabass (kalanchi) fish were stocked in 18 cages made of GI pipes of 2 metres each in length and width and 1.5 metre height. Kufos Vice-Chancellor B Madhusoodana Kurup inaugurated the second phase of the project at Kakkamadanthuruth. “We have plans to extend such projects to more villages. The success of the project has also helped preserve indigenous fish species that are facing threat leading to extinction,” the Vice-Chancellor said. Kufos initiated the project with the aim of sustainable fisheries development for rural empowerment and food security in Puthanvelikkara grama panchayat.

The project was initiated with the support of Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana and Fisheries Department. Cage culture of seabass had earlier produced fish with an average weight of 1.5 kg, with a survival rate of 80 percentage.

The farmers who were associated with the project won the national award for the Best Cage Farmers’ Group. Kufos has introduced an environment-friendly farming focusing on freshwater fish culture, brackish water fish culture, ornamental fish culture, and cage culture and integrated farming, utilising the resources of public and private ponds and backwters.

In addition to the existing 12 groups, nine more groups with 10 members were formed in the panchayat and necessary materials distributed among them.

To utilise the prospects of brackish water farming, Kufos is planning to launch farming of brackish water fish like mullet, milk fish and pearl spot (karimeen) by introducing innovative ideas and proper training to the farmers.

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